If you didn’t get much actual information from the first Republican primary debates on Thursday night, I’m sure you at least had a few laughs and did a couple of double takes.

The big talker of the night was, of course, Donald Trump. He stole the show almost immediately when he was the only candidate to refuse to pledge to not run as an independent should he fail to win the Republican nomination.

The economy is typically an important topic for voters during the first round of debates. But this time, only about 15 minutes were devoted to one of the nation’s most pressing problems. Still, that was all the time it took to see which candidates have put some actual thought into their policies.

Here are some highlights from the brief discussion of the economy, plus some other top moments.

Economics

Trump’s bankruptcy history was a major topic. He touted his business acumen as proof that he could tackle the national debt and current fiscal imbalances. He clarified that he had never personally filed for bankruptcy, despite the fact that four of his companies have.

Trump also made a weak attempt to explain his ties to the Clintons (they attended his wedding) by saying they felt obligated because he gave money to the Clinton Foundation.

Trump did make one salient economic point, though, saying Iran will be a highly rewarding investment if the sanctions are lifted. A point that many large companies and investors agree with.

Other candidates floated interesting ideas on bridging the gap between federal revenue and spending.

Mike Huckabee’s plan for funding Social Security and Medicare is to ensure that “illegals, prostitutes, pimps, and drug dealers” pay their taxes.

Ben Carson also addressed taxation by turning to the Bible, pitching the idea of a flat tax akin to tithing, where everyone gives 10% of their income to the church.

Chris Christie went after one of the GOP’s biggest economic touchstones, noting that the government needs to address entitlements such as Social Security, Medicare, and benefits for veterans and federal employees, which make up 71% of the national budget.

John Kasich didn’t offer any specifics about how to improve the economy, but he did make a point to mention that any economic growth needs to reach minorities and other vulnerable communities.

Immigration

Jeb Bush identified immigration as an economic issue, proposing a reform initiative that would allow more highly skilled workers into the country. This stance is supported mainly by those in the growing tech sector.

Trump really let his ego roam when he claimed that he started the debate on immigration. (Republicans have been disagreeing with Obama’s immigration policy since he came into office.) Trump followed that up by claiming that Mexico is shipping criminals over the boarder to the United States because “they don’t want to pay for them.”

Kasich’s remarks on gay marriage proved to be a delightful moment of reason and a possible bridge to right-leaning Independents wary of the GOP’s position on the issue. When asked about his stance on same-sex marriage, Kasich stated that he would respect the ruling of the Supreme Court and reasoned that just because he doesn’t agree with someone doesn’t mean he can’t love and respect them.

Abortion

On a more strident note, Mike Huckabee vocalized his staunch position against a woman’s right to an abortion. He favors a constitutional amendment banning abortions. When asked how his message would appeal to Democrats and Independents, Huckabee reiterated his unequivocal “pro life” position. The former pastor also suggested that the 5th and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution protect a fetus at the moment of conception, just the same as a person.

Women

One of the most disturbing quotes of the evening came, not surprisingly, from Trump, on the topic of his treatment of women. When moderator Megyn Kelly asked him about his record of referring to women he doesn’t like as “fat pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals,” the casino/hotel mogul brushed the issue off, saying he was just joking.

Of course, he followed that up by threatening to be mean to Kelly.

Overall, the night proved to be full of buzzworthy clips and shocking pullout quotes. But as far as any substantive debate about actual tactics and policies, the discussion was about as deep as a puddle.

Who can be surprised though? With so many candidates to contend with, the debate couldn’t have been anything but a competition to be remembered. We won’t get any real sense of the candidates until the field is culled.

Good investing,

Samantha Solomon

Former Wall Street Daily Managing Editor Samantha Solomon is taking a year-long sabbatical to work at a meditation retreat center in the Green Mountains of Vermont. In her weekly column "Young & Prudent," Samantha examines the 21st century economy from a millennial's perspective. Learn More >>

Obviously not a totally objective evaluation of the evening. You are correct about the overall substance (or lack thereof), but some of your comments regarding the more conservative viewpoints drip with the sarcasm of a progressive. What is wrong with the idea of considering that an unborn child deserves protection as a person? If they were not human beings, there would be little desire for their tissue as Planned Parenthood markets them to the highest bidders. Our immigration laws are already the most lax in the world. What is wrong with suggesting that we treat Mexicans the way Mexico treats illegally immigrating Americans? If we did, we would likely be called barbaric. Stick to commodities and let those who follow the constitution decide who they like in the primary.

I will stick with Donald J. Trump and vote for him come Primary Election for President in 2016. If I were Megyn Kelly I will not ask personal questions, which is unnecessary for what is happening with our country. We are lagging in economy and no jobs for young people, particularly newly college graduates. Besides, Donald maybe referring to one talkative, former TV host. Remember that Donald is married and has a daughter. How can he hate women? Kelly’s question shows very low intelligence and lack of vision of what is going around our country: economic hardships.

Trump is nothing but a shill for the Clintons. He will run as a third party and receive his rewards from the Clintons as cigar Bill and the Hillamonster
take the White House, in the same manner as Ross Perot gave it to them.

Even that Mr. Trump is not 99% the ideal candidate. I as a 100% Republican can say that YES we need action. Remove ALL the illegal immigrants and interfere much less with foreign problems, putting that money into education, health and security.

Personally, I was disappointed by the topics of the debate. I felt Fox would conduct a debate on more substantive subjects like the economy and national security rather than ‘gotcha’ questions reminiscent of what the Republican candidates can expect on other networks. A wasted opportunity. Too bad!

I was disappointed by the topics, too. The question of whether any would run as Independent wasted time they could have used for more important issues, since Trump has said repeatedly that he will if not the GOP nominee. Personally, I would like to hear him speak about something other than his money. I doubt he has much of substance to say or he would be saying it.

This article is the most accurate analysis of the debate that I’ve seen. I don’t see any of the ‘dripping sarcasm’ mentioned by another commenter, even though I agree with Huckabee on the Constitutional protection of unborn babies.

The good editor cavaliers dismisses, as so many do, that Mr Huckabee’s comments on tax reform were about The Fairtax, not just pimps, whores and drug dealers. His descriptive mention of the (God Forbid) unmentionable non-tax paying participants in the great cash economy of this country were an example that billions of dollars go untaxed outside of the corporate loopholes. When will you people who have responsible roles in the media, ever decide to learn about and maybe even embrace, the most logical reform to our tax problem?… that is mystifying.

Just sent this to FOX NEWS: Really DISGUSTED with the debate questions!!!! I wanted to know Trumps plans to restore Social Security, how he plans to address the the allegations of widespread voter fraud, more details about his thoughts on taxes, etc. But you asked him WHAT?! Why he called Rosie a pig!? Answer: because she IS! And calling him a liar about his border control comments??!! Really?? And hammering him about his financial losses rather than acknowledge that he’s a self-made billionaire??!! Who do you think you are? Which all reminds me why I quit watching Fox and Megan and Kraut et.al. Question for YOU: What makes you different than the news/reporters on the left? Answer: NOTHING!! BIGOTED WITH AN AGENDA!! We are so sick of you ALL!!

You forgot to mention that we also learned that both Scott Walker & Marco Rubio will advance policy that 83% of the population disagrees with (especially women, of course) that they will “allow” NO exceptions to abortion… even the life of the mother! Yes, the War on Women STILL lives with Catholics & Southern Baptists, who make up most of our GOP candidates! Those So Bapt & Catholic extremes on social issues can’t win a general election!!!!

Mr. Trump: I’m a democrat but would gladly vote for you if, and I mean IF you would make a supreme effort in taking on the entire Congress an all their ludicrous benefits which I nor any other American is entitled to or can afford. Social Security, care for all Veterans (note: I waited for 35 yrs. before I finally was given a 10% disability. 35 yrs.), Medicare these are the things important to me. I have no problem paying taxes if it is used for me my family an the people like me putting into the pot. We send Billions out of the country for for what? Fix your house first because it needs fixing and it needs it badly. Put a stop to congress from lining their pockets. Stick to the issues an only the issues and forget the other garbage. Treat it as if it were a business an I was a stock holder one who has invested weekly for the past 65yrs only to see very little compared to what I invented. You sir have a very good chance to take all the marbles and I hope you do. But please do it for the people not for those wanting to further line their pockets. This country needs a good house cleaning and I believe you to be the man if your truly up to it. Thank you, John Clark.

Machine-learning algorithms are cleverly downloading faces from social media pages like Facebook… and then uploading those faces to unsavory videos. This is the latest example of technology moving faster than our moral ability to use it.

One mystery trader just rolled over a massive volatility bet that could pay out $260 million if he’s right again. Can you blame him? He’s got seven-plus years of the bull trend on his side. Well, none of that means squat if you’re Goldman Sachs.